Black & Veatch Awarded Nebraska Ozone System Project

Black & Veatch Awarded Nebraska Ozone System Project

Black & Veatch recently announced that it has been awarded a contract by long-term client Lincoln Water System of Lincoln, Neb., to replace three of its existing ozone generators with two larger generators. The new, state-of-the-art ozone system will use less energy to produce more ozone for disinfection at the East Water Treatment Plant.

“The expanded capacity will enhance Lincoln Water System’s ability to stay ahead of increasingly stronger drinking water standards, continuing the visionary leadership exhibited nearly 20 years ago when it became one of the first U.S. water systems to include ozone in its treatment process,” said Bruce Long, Black & Veatch global drinking water practice and technology leader. “Ozone is a favored method for elimination of microconstituents during water purification.”

Long added that the ability to address water needs in an energy-efficient manner creates a solution beyond the traditional benefits of a project, helping to address the very important link between water and energy resources.

The upgrade will increase the total ozone generation capacity at the treatment plant from 1,050 lb per day (ppd) to 2,600 ppd. The new generators will use liquid oxygen rather than air to produce ozone, which will also increase efficiency. Black & Veatch will provide design, procurement and construction-phase services, as well as supply a resident project representative (RPR) for the project.

Another aspect of the project is replacement of all controls, computers and electronics in the plant. This work will be coordinated with the construction activities scheduled for a Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system upgrade, also managed by Black & Veatch, to improve system efficiency. The SCADA system monitors and controls transmission and distribution of raw and potable water supplies.

“Black & Veatch’s professional expertise and coordination has enabled us to reduce costs on both the ozone and SCADA projects and provide a sustainable solution for plant efficiency,” said Jerry Obrist, chief engineer for Lincoln Water System.

Preliminary design and equipment procurement services are scheduled this year, with final design slated for completion in May 2009 and construction set to begin September 2009. The project is anticipated to be complete in April 2010.